The government needs to “come clean” on whether Dapto drivers will be able to use the Albion Park Rail Bypass, said Anna Watson.
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The Shellharbour MP is unhappy that the Yallah interchange at the northern end of the bypass may not be built, meaning Dapto drivers heading south would still have to use the existing Princes Highway.
“This government has not been upfront with Dapto residents about this issue,” Ms Watson said.
“They need to come clean about whether Dapto residents will have southbound access to the bypass.”
She said it would be a “deliberate exclusion” if the interchange was not built. However Roads and Maritime Services said traffic modelling indicated there was not a need for the interchange at the moment.
When asked if he would push for the interchange Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said “I will always push for the best outcomes for Illawarra residents”.
“Obviously people will raise concerns about road projects,” Mr Ward said.
“I’ll always listen to those concerns and do my best to provide the best products we can, as we have at Gerringong and Berry [Princes Highway upgrades].
“There’s been changes to those projects as we’ve listened to the community.”
He added that he was awaiting a briefing on community concerns about the bypass from Roads and Maritime Services.
“I look forward to working with Roads and Maritime Services to deliver the best-quality products for the region,” he said.